Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick last month urged the legislature to reconvene in special session to again take up a gaming bill that most politicians, including Speaker Robert DeLeo, consider dead until next year.

“We’ve been there for the people who want and need the jobs that can come from resort casinos. The legislature should come back and finish this right now and let’s get it done,” he told a Labor Day crowd, according to the Boston Herald.

Some see Patrick’s public call for something that is nearly impossible this year as just part of the election season. He is running for a second term. He needs to rebuild bridges with labor, which strongly supported the gaming bill that he opposed because it included racinos.

Polls show Patrick leading his two opponents in the race for governor, so he may feel strong enough to maintain a stance that is unpopular with labor, while still calling for some kind of gaming bill.

Two-thirds of the members of both chambers are required to hold a special session. DeLeo and Senate President Therese Murray both say that a special session is unlikely.

By GGB Staff

Staff writers for Global Gaming Business magazine. Las Vegas, Nevada.